It’s the fourth night in a row that the fisherman did not return -- another boat buried beneath the deep murky waters just outside of the village. The village thrives on the fish, for the land itself is too dry to grow crops. Something must be done or they will all surely perish. The tribe chief sent out the village’s greatest warrior, Hondo, to find and slay the river monster named ‘Kiboko’ who is believed to have caused all this grief. Kiboko has never been seen by human eyes, at least none to live the tale. The disappearance of animals, ships, and people is all the proof the village needs.
Hondo set out at night with a torch and walked along the embankments. There was a strange greenish light emitting from below the waters mirroring the star-filled sky. Hondo stared into it with a watchful eye, looking for any threats, but to no avail, as it struck him out of nowhere, swept him off his feet, and dragged him underneath the dark waves. Hondo struggled to resurface but the creature's grip was unrelenting. He gasped for breath and clawed at the glowing green objects before him. Despite his heroic efforts, Hondo fatigued and resigned to his fate. The last of the air bubbles popped from his slightly open jaw. Without the thrashing of Hondo, the water cleared and he was able to see the fabled river monster, staring directly into Hondo’s, the large hands of the monster holding Hondo’s head like a grapefruit and peering straight into his soul. Hondo could feel a deep voice ringing in his head, but there was no audible sound.
The last thing Hondo heard was this; “These waters do not belong to you!”
The next morning, the village awoke to a horrible sight: the lifeless body of Hondo hovering above the village square. As a crowd gathered, Hondo slowly drifted towards the ground landing on his knees in front of the chief. The chief grabbed him and screamed for the healer. With a shutter, Hondo opened his eyes. They were glowing bright green, just like the stars in the water. The clouds rumbled and darkness covered the land. Hondo opened his hands to reveal plunder of magical seeds. ‘A gift from Kiboko, we are hungry no more. The Chief stared back into Hondo's eyes with a vacant look.
"And what did it cost you, Hondo?"
Unflinchingly, Hondo responded
"Everything."